Thank you for using the Sentral for Parents app. If you have questions about using the app, or need some extra help then please browse our list of FAQs below. We're always working towards giving you the best app experience possible.

 

1. How do parents register for the app?
  • If parents have previously registered for the Parent Portal, then they will already have a functioning app account. They can use their Portal login details to use the app. 
  • If they have not registered for the Parent Portal, they will be prompted to create an account when they first open the app. Creating an account via the app creates a Parent Portal account at the same time. The same login details can then be used for the app and for the Parent Portal. 
2. Do parents need a Parent Portal account before they can use the app?
  • Parents can choose to create a Parent Portal account first. 
  • Parents can also create a Parent Portal account by registering via the app. The process of registering via the app creates a Parent Portal account.
3. Should parents register for the Parent Portal first, or the app?

Parents can register for the Parent Portal or app first; the same account will be used for both. 

4. Where do I direct parent enquiries for parent login problems?
For parent login problems, schools should go to the need help tab which is located in Sentral on the right hand side. From here you will be able to lodge a support ticket via the help centre.
5. Is there a user guide for the app?
Yes. Parents can access a user guide within the app. 
6. Who does the school contact for help with the app?

For help with the app, schools should lodge a support ticket via the Sentral Help Centre. 

7. Where do I find absence notifications sent from parents via the app?
  • Responses to existing absences are located under Attendance > Notifications > Responses 
  • Requests for future absences are located under Attendance > Notifications > Future Absence Requests 
8. Who can send notifications to parents via the app?

Anyone with access to the Feeds option in Portal Console will be able to send feed items to the app. 

9. Do all Parent Portal notifications go out via the app as well?

Any item that appears in the Parent Portal feed will also appear in the app feed. 

10. Can I send a notification via the app, but not the Parent Portal?
No. Notifications are sent via the Parent Portal.
11. What documents can I send to parents via the app?

Documents may be sent through the Newsfeed or attached to messages as part of a conversation. 

12. What is the size limit of documents that I can send via the app?

File size limits for notifications sent via the Parent Portal can be configured under Setup Documents > Applications Options.

13. Why can’t I upload a document to the app?

If you are experiencing problems sending documents via the Parent Portal and the app, please lodge a support ticket within the Sentral Help Centre. 

14. How do parents get the new Sentral for Parents app?

It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

15. Can parents continue to use the old app?
​No. The new app replaces the old app. Parents should update to the new Sentral for Parents app.

Our new app will be released as an update to the existing one. If a parent's device is configured to update apps automatically, they won't need to do anything to receive the new app.

If they prefer to update manually:

For iOs users:

  • Open the App Store on your device
  • Tap on your profile icon
  • Locate your Sentral Parents app
  • Tap update to install the new version

For Android users:

  • Open Google Play on your device
  • Click on the hamburger menu icon
  • Select my apps and games
  • Locate your Sentral Parents app
  • Tap update to install the new version
16. The app looks different. Has functionality changed?

Yes. The app now has several new features including Newsfeed, Messages, Absence Notifications, Calendars, Daily Notices, Interviews, Payments and more.  

17. Can parents run the old app and the new app on their phone at the same time?

No. The old app will be retired when the new app is released. Parents should update to the new Sentral for Parents app. 

18. What if parents have children at different schools?
  • Parents can switch schools within the app via the Settings cog icon. 
  • The app will prompt parents to select the other school and log in. This process will log them out of the previous session. 
  • Parents will not remain logged in to two schools simultaneously. 
19. Can parents make payments via the app?

Yes. Parents will be redirected to a secure Parent Portal page to complete payments. 

20. Can teachers use the app?

No, not in their role as teachers. The app is intended to facilitate communication between teachers and parents/carers. School staff can send messages to the app but will not be able to use the app themselves. 

21. How do teachers register for the app?

The app is not intended for teacher use.